Chrysler Building
The 1047 foot tall Chrysler Building held the title of the world's tallest building for one year when it was surpassed by the Empire State Building
In the 1920s, New York became obsessed with breaking the record of the world's tallest building. The title was achieved when the 1,047 foot Chrysler Building was built in 1930, but short-lived being surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. Almost thwarted all together by the Bank of Manhattan building being built at the simultaneously, the stainless steel spire was constructed in secret and installed in 90 minutes giving the Chrysler Building the needed height win the title. One of the most recognisable buildings in the Manhattan skyline, the 77-floor Art Deco building is currently the third tallest building in New York City. Since its restoration in 1996, the polished chromium nickel of the stepped dome building gleams even on cloudy days.
Automobile tycoon, Walter Chrysler purchased the design from architect William Van Alen and intended to make the building the Chrysler headquarters. Many decorative features inspired by Chrysler's automobiles including stainless steel eagle hood ornaments on the 61st floor and replicas of Chrysler radiator caps on the 31st floor. Now a state of the art office building, the building is primarily used for business and there is no access for visitors beyond the lobby, but the intricate Art Deco marble floors and elevator banks are worth a peak.
Cost: Free
Hours : Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm; closed public holidays
Website: Chrysler Building
Address: 405 Lexington Avenue.
Nearby attractions: Grand Central Terminal, New York Public Library
Looking Skyward at New York City's famous Chrysler Building cc licensed flickr photo shared by zoonabar
Top of the Chrysler Building as seen from the Empire State Building cc licensed flickr photo shared by Matthias Rosenkranz
